Benelli Leoncino 250 to be launched in India this week

- Benelli Leoncino 250 scrambler launching this week

- Features a similar styling as the recently-launched Leoncino 500

- Likely to be priced around Rs 1.8-2 lakhs

- Will compete against the KTM 250 Duke, Yamaha FZ 25 and Suzuki Gixxer 250

Benelli is all set to further widen its portfolio in India with the launch of its quarter-litre scrambler, the Leoncino 250, this week. The motorcycle is a smaller sibling of the Leoncino 500 which was launched in the first week of August. Interestingly, the bike maker will also be introducing the retro-styled Imperiale 400 later this month, pre-bookings for which have already begun. 

In terms of design, the Leoncino 250 looks closely similar to the Leoncino 500 with a round headlamp, single-piece handlebar, rounded fuel tank and a long sweeping tail section sporting a single-piece seat. Despite the retro styling, it is modern in terms of features incorporating LED headlamp and tail lamp along with LED turn indicators. Furthermore, it is also equipped with an all-digital instrument cluster which shows a host of information. 

Underpinned by a steel trellis frame, the Leoncino 250 is powered by the same 249cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor which does duty on the now-discontinued TNT 25. Mated to a six-speed gearbox, this powerplant churns out 25.7bhp of power and 21.2Nm of peak torque. The scrambler rides on 17-inch alloy wheels which are suspended by upside down forks up front and monoshock at the rear. Braking is handled by a petal-shaped disc at both ends while dual-channel ABS comes as standard.

The Benelli Leoncino 250 will lock horns with other quarter-litre offerings in the market such as the KTM 250 Duke, Yamaha FZ25 and the Suzuki Gixxer 250. The pricing of the motorcycle will be slightly on the premium side, perhaps in the ballpark of 1.8-2 lakhs (ex-showroom).